Turkish Americans facts for kids
The 27th Annual Turkish Day Parade (2008) in New York
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 230,342 (2016 ACS) More than 1,000,000 (2012 estimate by the former US Commerce Secretary John Bryson) |
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| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Sunni Islam (including practising and non-practising) Minority Alevism, other religions, or irreligious |
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^ a: Government immigration figures on the number of Turks in the US are not fully reliable because a considerable number of Turks were born in the Balkans, Cyprus, and other areas of the former Ottoman Empire. Furthermore, there has been more recent Turkish migration waves of Meskhetian Turks from the former USSR. |
Turkish Americans are people living in the United States who have family roots from Turkey. They are also known as American Turks. Many Turkish Americans have kept their Turkish language and culture alive while also becoming part of American life.
Contents
Who are Turkish Americans?
Turkish Americans are a group of people in the United States whose families originally came from Turkey. They are part of the rich mix of cultures that make up America. These individuals and their families have moved to the U.S. over many years, bringing their traditions, food, and language with them.
Where do Turkish Americans live?
Turkish Americans live all over the United States. However, many of them live in certain areas more than others. Big cities like New York, Boston, Massachusetts, and Detroit, Michigan, have large Turkish American communities. You can also find many Turkish Americans in states like California, Texas, and Florida.
What languages do Turkish Americans speak?
Most Turkish Americans speak American English, just like other Americans. Many also speak Turkish, especially at home or within their communities. This helps them stay connected to their heritage.
What religions do Turkish Americans follow?
The main religion among Turkish Americans is Sunni Islam. However, like any large group, some Turkish Americans follow other religions, such as Alevism, or no religion at all.
History of Turkish Americans
People from Turkey have been coming to the United States for a long time. The first groups arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They often came looking for new opportunities and a better life.
Early Turkish immigrants
In the early days, many Turkish immigrants were men who worked in factories or mines. They often planned to earn money and then return home. However, many ended up staying and building new lives in America. These early immigrants faced challenges, but they worked hard to create communities and support each other.
Later waves of immigration
More Turkish people came to the U.S. after the 1950s. This time, many were professionals, like doctors, engineers, and scientists. They came for education and job opportunities. There have also been groups like the Meskhetian Turks, who came to the U.S. after facing difficulties in other countries.
Famous Turkish Americans
Many Turkish Americans have made important contributions to American society in different fields.
- Aziz Sancar: He is a scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015 for his work on DNA repair.
- Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun: These brothers were very important in the music industry. They founded Atlantic Records, a famous record label that helped launch the careers of many legendary musicians.
- D'Arcy Carden: She is a well-known actress, famous for her roles in TV shows like The Good Place.
- Ben Ali Haggin: He was a famous American painter known for his portraits. His father, James Ben Ali Haggin, was a very wealthy businessman in the 1800s.
- Turhan Bey: He was an actor who appeared in many Hollywood films during the 1940s.
Turkish American culture
Turkish Americans often celebrate their heritage through food, music, and special events. They have community centers and organizations that help keep their culture alive.
Festivals and traditions
Turkish American communities often organize festivals and parades. These events are a great way to share their culture with others. They feature traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and delicious Turkish food like kebabs and baklava. The Turkish Day Parade in New York City is a well-known example.
Community and organizations
Turkish Americans have created many organizations to support their communities. These groups help new immigrants, organize cultural events, and promote understanding between Turkish and American cultures. They also help Turkish Americans connect with each other and celebrate their shared background.
Images for kids
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A Turkish immigrant in New York City (1912).
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Turkish workers in Detroit (1923).
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Dr. Fuat Umay meeting Turkish American women (1923).
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Turkish Americans holding the flags of the United States and Turkey.
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Turkish Cypriot Americans in New York City supporting for the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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Meskhetian Turks protesting outside the White House in Washington, D.C..
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The Islamic Center of Washington was originally conceived in 1944 when the Turkish ambassador Munir Ertegun died and there was no mosque to hold his funeral in.
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The Turkish Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C..
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Aziz Sancar won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015.
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Ben Ali Haggin.
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James Ben Ali Haggin was an American multi-millionaire by 1880.
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D'Arcy Carden.
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Founders of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun (left) with his brother Nesuhi Ertegun (right)
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